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Fall is the perfect time to explore cozy, textured fabrics that feel amazing to wear and sew with. In this episode, Sarai and Haley share their top 10 favorite fabrics for autumn sewing, what makes each one special, and the specific projects they're planning to make with them right now.
Our Top 10 Fabrics for Fall Sewing (And What We'd Make With Them)
Whether your fabric stash is overflowing or you're just starting to build your collection, here are 10 fabrics that will make your fall sewing both enjoyable and rewarding.
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Corduroy. Corduroy is a cotton fabric with raised ridges called wales running in one direction. What makes corduroy perfect for fall is how it adds instant texture and visual interest to any garment while providing that perfect weight that's substantial and warm without being too heavy. It's incredibly versatile—you can find everything from fine baby cord to wide whale corduroy. Think about projects where you want structure but also comfort: pants, skirts, jackets, or dresses with some structure. Corduroy works beautifully for casual pieces like the Chelsea jeans, which have that perfect 70s style with patch pockets. The beauty of having a favorite jeans pattern is being able to make it in denim, twill, canvas, and corduroy! -
Ultra Suede Scuba Knit. This amazing synthetic fabric feels like suede but is way easier to care for, and when combined with scuba knit's stretch, you get the best of both worlds. Scuba knit is thick and stable but still has that knit comfort, and the suede version looks luxurious while being incredibly practical. One of the best things about this fabric is that it doesn't fray, making seam finishes incredibly easy. It has a luxury feel that makes even simple garments look elevated and works beautifully for structured knit pieces like jackets, skirts, or dresses where you want clean lines. The Ulla dress would be perfect in a suede scuba—that pinafore style with double-breasted details would showcase the texture beautifully. One tip: consider topstitching the seams since synthetic fabrics can be hard to press crisply. -
Velveteen. Velveteen is like velvet's more casual cousin—it's usually cotton-based with that gorgeous soft pile that adds immediate richness to any garment. It's perfect for fall and winter because it's a bit more dressy than corduroy without the workwear associations, yet it's much easier to work with than true velvet because it's more stable and less slippery. You do need to pay attention to the nap when cutting, but once you get the hang of that, it's really manageable. Velveteen works beautifully for special occasion pieces but also everyday items like skirts or tops where you want something that feels a little luxurious. The Basil quilted jacket would be stunning in velveteen with that jacket liner aesthetic. -
Flannel. Flannel is typically a cotton fabric that's been brushed to create that soft, fuzzy surface. What makes flannel perfect for fall is how cozy it feels against your skin without being too warm for layering, plus it drapes beautifully for flowing garments. While flannel is obvious for pajamas, it's also gorgeous for everyday pieces like button-up shirts or flowing skirts. One thing to watch out for is that flannel can pill over time, so investing in good quality fabric makes a real difference. The Dezi skirt would be lovely in flannel—that flowing bias-cut style would showcase the drape beautifully. Just be sure to line it to prevent static cling, which can be an issue with flannel. -
Denim. While denim might seem obvious, it's really underutilized for fall sewing beyond just jeans. Denim comes in so many different weights and washes now, from light chambray-weight all the way up to heavy selvage, and it works for both structured and relaxed pieces. For fall, lighter to medium weight denims are perfect for more feminine pieces—there's something so chic about unexpected uses of denim that goes beyond the typical jeans and jacket. The Leonora skirt is a button-up skirt that's specifically designed for denim and showcases how versatile this fabric can be for elegant pieces. -
Wool Crepe. Wool crepe has a beautiful drape and slightly crinkled texture that just screams elegance while being incredibly practical. What's best about wool crepe is how well it travels—it doesn't wrinkle easily, holds its shape, and provides warmth that can take you into winter. It's perfect for dresses, skirts, and trousers where you want something that looks polished but feels comfortable. The weight is usually perfect for layering, so you can wear it alone in early fall or layer it under sweaters later. The wide-leg Marett pants would be absolutely perfect in wool crepe for a sophisticated fall look. -
Wool Coating. Wool coating is exactly what it sounds like—the fabric used for making coats. It's usually quite heavy and structured with excellent insulating properties. What's wonderful about wool coating is how it holds shape beautifully and gives you that really polished, tailored finish. While it's perfect for outerwear, you can also use it for structured skirts or vests. The thing about wool coating is that a little goes a long way—even a simple pattern looks impressive in this fabric. The Bay coat is such a classic design that would be perfect in a beautiful wool coating. -
Merino Jersey. Merino jersey is knit fabric made from merino wool, and it's honestly one of the most luxurious fabrics to wear. It's incredibly soft, naturally temperature regulating, and doesn't retain odors the way synthetic fabrics can. What makes merino perfect for fall is how it works for layering—it's not bulky but it's still warm, and it's naturally wrinkle-resistant, making it perfect for travel pieces. Merino is ideal for foundational layering pieces like fitted long sleeve tops, turtlenecks, or simple dresses. The Neenah would be perfect in merino wool jersey—it's a fitted below-knee length turtleneck dress that's excellent for layering. -
French Terry. French terry is a knit fabric with loops on the back side that create wonderful texture and warmth. It's like the sophisticated cousin of regular sweatshirt fabric—it has that cozy comfort but looks more polished. What's great about French terry is how it's casual enough for loungewear but nice enough to wear out. It's perfect for cardigans, hoodies, or even dresses where you want comfort while still looking put-together. French terry usually has great recovery, so garments hold their shape really well. The Lisa cardigan would be beautiful in a gorgeous colored French terry for that perfect combination of comfort and style. -
Sweater Knit. Sweater knits are those wonderfully textured knit fabrics that look like they've been hand knitted, often made with larger threads so you can really see the texture. They often have interesting stitch patterns, cables, or texture built right into the fabric. What's amazing about sweater knits is that you get all the visual interest of a hand-knitted sweater without having to actually knit it. They're perfect for simple patterns because the fabric itself provides all the design interest. Think about basic pullover shapes, simple cardigans, or even skirts where the fabric texture is the star. The key with sweater knits is to let the fabric be the focal point and keep your design lines clean and simple. The Pepper turtleneck sweater is one pattern that's perfect for sweater knits.
Fall really is the perfect time to experiment with new fabrics because they tend to be more forgiving and have such beautiful textures. There's something about working with these richer, more substantial fabrics that makes the whole sewing process feel more luxurious. Each of these fabrics brings its own special qualities to your autumn wardrobe, whether you're looking for cozy comfort, structured elegance, or something in between.
What's your favorite fall fabric to work with? Have you tried any of these fabrics that surprised you with how wonderful they were to sew? Share your experiences and let us know which fabrics you're planning to explore this season!
